Our degrees introduce you to the comparative and evolutionary study of humans and draw on a range of social, cultural and biological perspectives. This breadth makes our degrees distinctive; we cover everything from altruism to zygotes. Teaching is research-led and places a strong emphasis on inter-disciplinary perspectives. The Department was ranked 2nd for overall satisfaction in the2011 National Student Survey and 6th in The Complete University Guide 2012. We have an excellent post-graduation employment record and were ranked joint 3rd overall among UK Anthropology programmes for employability in The Times Good University Guide 2012.

Durham Anthropology graduates leave our programmes with great employment opportunities. In the latest HESA survey [Guardian University Guide 2012] Durham Anthropology was recognised as having a 76% employment rate, the highest amongst amongst anthropology departments in the UK returning such statistics. With an anthropology degree our students acquire a knowledge base which is both fascinating and useful as well as having an unusual mix of intellectual and practical skills. This combination is much sought after by employers worldwide and particularly so where creativity, curiosity and the ability to understand human culture and society are at a premium - which, in practice, is in most situations. Our graduates use their anthropology directly in fields such as health, community work, conservation, education, international development, culture and heritage. A significant number progress into careers which apparently have no direct link to Anthropology but which nonetheless utilise the broad understanding of human society and behaviour and the many important transferable skills that come with the study of Anthropology. Employment fields falling into this category include: advertising, publishing, journalism, human resource management, public relations, finance, law, consultancy and marketing. The quality of teaching on our programmes is further underpinned by a wide range of opportunities for work placements, research internships, study abroad [Erasmus] and fieldwork both the UK and abroad.